Rosary watch chain



June 15, 1937. J. F. LE'ITNE.\R 2,084,151

ROSARY WATCH CHAIN Filed Sept. 5. 1956 A TTORNEYS.

Patented June 15, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in watch chains and more particularly to a watch chain which may be converted into a Roman Catholic rosary when the occasion for use of the same arises.

One of the main features of the invention resides in a watch chain in which the links thereof have the significance of the beads of a rosary whereby the chain may be worn straight as a 1o watch chain, or the same may be formed with a loop and pendant portion to provide the user of the chain with a rosary on such religious occasions as the use of the rosary requires.

Another feature of the invention is to provide 55 a rosary watch chain in which a connector element is arranged at a predetermined position within the length of the rosary chain to which one end of the chain may be fastened to form the loop or decade portion and a depending go pendant portion on which the crucifix it attached,

the religious significance of which will be appreciated by those users of the Roman Catholic faith.

Other features of the invention will be apparent as the following specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary front view of a man illustrating the article in use as a watch chain. Figure 2 is a front elevational View of the watch 30 chain transformed into a Roman Catholic rosary.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail elevational view illustrating the manner in which one end of the watch chain is engaged with an intermediate portion thereof to form the decade loop of the Figure 4 is a detail side elevatlonal view of the clasp end of the chain.

Referring to the drawing by reference charactors, the numeral it designates a length of single strand chain, which in length is approximately that of an ordinary watch chain. The chain it is constructed of elongated links H, which links are separated into groups by larger links it. The links II and I?! are significant to the beads of a rosary and are so grouped and related as to have the same religious significance as the beads of a rosary.

Secured to one end of the chain H), is a crucifix l while arranged in the length of chain adto jacent that end to which the crucifix is attached chain. When worn in this manner, it will be appreciated that the article imparts the appearance of an ordinary watch chain.

Should an occasion arise when the wearer of the watch chain has use for a Roman Catholic rosary, the chain may be converted into a rosary by first removing the watch it from the hook clasp l5. After removal of the watch, the clasp I5 is engaged with the ring it which transforms the chain into a loop or decade portion A and a depending pendant portion B. By reference to Figure 2 of the drawing, it will be seen that the chain has been converted into a Roman Catholic rosary with the five decades extending about the loop portion A and with the crucifix I? depending from the pendant portion B.

While I have shown and described what I consider to be the most practical embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that such changes and modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:-

1. An article of the class described comprising a single strand chain having links significant to the beads of a Roman Catholic rosary and a crucifix attached to one end thereof, a watch clasp on the other end of said chain to which a watch may be connected when the article is used as a Watch chain, and a ring in the length of said chain adjacent that end to which the crucifix is connected for engagement by said clasp to form a loop portion and a pendant portion.

2. A Roman Catholic rosary comprising a single strand of chain having links significant to the beads of a bead rosary, a crucifix attached to one end of said chain, and releasable fastening means for connecting the other end of said chain with an intermediate portion thereof to form a loop portion and a pendant portion.

3. A Roman Catholic rosary comprising a single strand of chain having links symbolic of the beads of a bead rosary, a clasp member at one end of said chain, a ring in said chain adjacent the other end thereof with which said clasp member engages to form a loop portion and a pendant portion, and a crucifix carried by the end of the pendant portion.

4. An article of the class described comprising a single strand of chain, a pocket piece carried by one end of said chain, a ring in said chain adjacent that end to which the pocket piece is attached, and a watch clasp carried by the other end of said chain and adapted to be connected with said ring substantially as and for the purpose specified.

JOSEPH F. LEITNER. 

